One noticeable problem with description is that in trying to be descriptive, there is so much variance in use. I agree with a descriptive approach so much that, within my own mind, I've redefined prescriptive into two approaches: the strict grammarian approach, and the general usage approach (no matter how wrong it may be to strict grammarians). When in a descriptive mode, I think of deviations from the normal usage.

Thats my redefining, but not necessarily refining. I suppose I should be reining in my opinions, so I'll wait until something rings a little more true.